This weeks meeting was extra special, because we gathered at Long Creek Youth Development Center and the food was prepared and served by the students involved with the Culinary Arts program, under the guidance of Chef Stevens. The students did a masterful job with the Italian dinner they prepared for their guests. Many club members expressed favorable commentary and suggested that this was the best luncheon the club has enjoyed at a meeting.
President Don called the meeting to order at the usual time. In conjunction with recent discussion and decision, we began the meeting with the salute to our flag. Past President Bill Blount lead the group, a capella, in our singing of "The Star Spangled Banner." Well lead and well sung, despite being free of accompaniment.
Past President Jim Willey, recalled the 100-year association our Rotary Club has enjoyed with the Salvation Army, including our fundamental role in the development of the Kid’s Room at the Portland head-quarters. In order to sustain the effort to provide a comfortable space for the homeless and needy children of the community, the Salvation Army is seeking support from the Rotary and others to participate in the Sail Op which is scheduled for April 27th, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Please contact Jim for further details and to help support a most worthy cause.
Our Portland partner club, The Casco Bay Sunrise Club, will again be hosting a wine tasting night in support of the Children’s Cancer Fund of Maine. The event will be held at DiMillo’s on April 16th. Tickets can be purchased from members or at the door. If you’ve ever attended, you know it’s a great night, Just ask diamond George Crockett who had the lucky ticket. Our club has always been very supportive. See you there.
HOW’S LO RO?
We have all missed the energizing smile and never-ending support that Past President Loretta Rowe has given the club over decades. Loretta is a fighter, but her iIlness requires her to remain secure and free from germs and viruses as her system recovers. Her Club is making a continuous effort to offer support and Past President Tom Talbott has remained in close touch with our friend and provides regular reports. With continued progress we may be able to greet her in person in a few months or so. Please feel free to contact her via email for now and let her know you are thinking of her.......cards and other spirit-lifting niceties are most welcome. Oh how we miss that smile!
Our club continues to take on the need to support the Preble Street Food Kitchen, feeding our community’s homeless, by committing to help prepare and serve food once a month. Our, indefatigable, Community Service Chair, Gracie Johnston, has been organizing our outreach and asked for volunteers to come out Wednesday, March 28, between 3:30 to 6:30-7:00 to help. It is important that we commit to stay to the end and assist, which means in this case its better to show up late and stay to the end.
Charlie Frair and Paul Tully continue to spearhead our Veterans' Day program which honors those who have been part of our military serving to protect our freedoms. We have provided a wonderful luncheon to show our thanks, but want to do more. When a Rotarian wants to do more, you can be sure, it’s going to happen. This dynamic duo has been seeking club input to recognize two veteran centric organizations to support with a contribution. As of this date, we have recognized five worthy veteran service organizations and are asking them to come and present to the club, at this Friday's meeting to help us make an informed selection for our financial support. Joe Reagan, a newer member, has jumped right in and offered some unique support. On March 29th Joe is heading up a 12-hour radio-athon to garner support for our Maine Veterans. As if that’s not enough, on April 24th there is another Veteran’s Point event planned with further details to come.
Past President Bill Blount has long been in song and a member of the Music Committee. The committee recently heard from the club and knows they are respected as part of our history and identity. He explained how they have reformed the way the club will determine when a song is appropriate for an occasion, rather than to be an obligatory part of the meeting. He provided a perfect example of the intent by leading us in the singing of “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” on this, the eve of Saint Paddy’s Day. Great job, Bill!
Our working the deck, as part of our raffle, has become a tad more difficult as the full fifty-two are back to tempting. This week Nan Heald had the chance to prove her luck by plucking the Queen of Hearts from the deck. However, me lady decided to remain in waiting and let the treasure develop to entice interest and dollars. Sorry Nan we were all wishing you well.
When it comes to fun events, you’ll always find Mike Fortunato close by. Consequently, he has arranged for the club to once again have a night of suds-sipping and fellowship development by meeting at the Allagash Brewery, with a large part of the proceeds going in support of our CHE (Childhood Health and Education) programs. The tickets are $30, if purchased in advance, but $35 if purchased at the door. Each ticket gets you into the tasting and there will be plentiful snacks to supplement the suds. Allagash is located at 50 Industrial Way in Portland The flyers are out there for details and we hope that you will be there as well. Of course, if you want more detail, contact Mike at michael.k.fortunato@gmail.com!